We Are Trojans
USC brings together people of different backgrounds and experiences, incubates curious minds and forges unique bonds that continue beyond campus and across generations. The renowned Trojan spirit is an attitude infused into everything we do, propelling our community to greater heights as individuals, collective groups and the university as a whole.
Our Alumni. Our Trojan Family.
The USC Alumni network is a diverse and impactful global community of 463,000+ members who continue to change the world for good. From space exploration to groundbreaking medical treatments to breaking Olympic records and creating Academy Award-winning stories — these passionate alumni embody courage as they push humanity forward with groundbreaking achievements. They bravely lead companies and develop life-saving technologies while reshaping our culture. And above all else, the Trojan Family stands proudly at attention, ready to serve those most in need of assistance.
Living Our Trojan Values
USC is forging an enduring culture united by shared values and a commitment to driving meaningful change. Through thousands of contributions from faculty, staff, students and leadership campus-wide, USC actively creates an atmosphere centered around our shared values and inspires behaviors to support them. Our Culture Journey moves us forward individually and as an institution by developing ideals built on trust and respect.
Our Unifying Values in Action
At USC, our core values are a powerful instrument that binds us together. We are united in a mission to create an ethical community of trust and understanding — one where we courageously take responsibility for the decisions we make every day toward achieving great things. Together, we strive onward with this shared purpose.
Faculty Panel: Free Speech and Academic Freedom
During national Free Speech Week, the USC Culture Journey, in partnership with the USC Academic Senate, hosted a timely virtual faculty panel conversation covering challenges, insights, and aspirations relating to free speech and academic freedom.
USC School of Dramatic Arts to launch diversity, equity and inclusion center
The Sparks Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will launch with the opening of the school’s new Drama Center in February.
Gender-Affirming Care celebrates 10 years at USC Student Health
Current and former clinical providers recall the origins and differences that have helped make the team what it is today.
Trojan trailblazer uses classroom experience to help underserved students get a head start
TITLE IX: Since becoming an administrator, Theda Douglas has made a difference in the lives of thousands of participants in her programs.
Report updates USC’s Culture Journey, an ongoing examination of the university’s values
Tens of thousands of Trojans have taken part in the continuing effort.
New ‘student commitment’ introduces Trojans to university’s deeply held values
The commitment, presented at Thursday’s convocation ceremony, encourages students to display integrity, accountability, fairness and communication, and to value diversity.
USC reaccredited after inclusive review of university standards, curriculum, quality and culture
The university’s convergent spirit and cultural transformation are commended, along with a commitment to transparency and affordability.
Faculty, Staff and Students Chart USC’s Future Through ‘Culture Journey’
Thousands are voicing their values and vision for how the university should reshape itself, through a process underway across USC’s campuses and centers.
Major enhancements take shape in USC Student Health
University professionals aim to set a gold standard in college health on University Park and Health Sciences campuses
Trojan Excellence
For more than a century, USC’s scholar-athletes have embodied athletic excellence. As one of the most successful programs in college sports and beyond, Trojans past and present have risen to achieve greatness on national and global levels — claiming more than 100+ NCAA titles and multiple Olympic medals, which represent athletic success at its peak. Our Cardinal and Gold endure as an iconic reflection of triumph thanks to the athletes representing USC in high-level sporting competitions.
Experiencing Our Commonality Through Diversity
USC strives to create an inclusive and enriching environment on our campuses, where all members of our community feel welcomed and celebrated. By embracing the unique strengths that come with each individual’s lived experiences, we foster a culture free from discrimination while promoting excellence through diversity, equity and inclusion.
Good Neighbors
At USC, being a good neighbor means creating lasting change to the lives of those who live around us. Ivan Garcia graduated from the Leslie and William McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative, a program that prepares low-income students from surrounding neighborhoods for college, and is now a Trojan.
Big Dreams
Sarah Markosky wasn’t intimidated by a challenge. Her dream of becoming an engineer as well as a pilot led her to USC and the Airmen of Troy 60th Cadet Wing. With the interdisciplinary experience at USC, Markosky didn’t have to choose only one dream, she could have them all.
Being True to Yourself
Trojans are encouraged to embrace their biggest asset: their authentic selves. In collaboration with student organizations and other sponsors, events like the LGBTQ+ Student Center’s Pride-Fest give students the chance to come together and celebrate their individuality.
Lasting Legacy
Nicole Kawakami graduated from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC just like her mother Ruth Kawakami, right, and her Uncle Kent Ochiai, left, did. Along with foundational discoveries and boundless research, USC’s rich history and enduring legacy creates opportunities for generations.
Athletic Excellence
In addition to our academic excellence, USC Athletics creates a diverse program that allows athletes to achieve what few have before. One example is Juju Watkins, freshman player for the USC women’s basketball team. She is considered a rising star in women’s basketball and named ESPN’s Freshman of the Year.
Diversity, Culture, Experience
Diversity in experiences, cultures and backgrounds are some of the things that makes our Trojans ready to embrace the ranging opportunities and rigorous challenges USC presents. The Black Alumni Association Welcome Pinning and Affirmation Ceremony is a celebrated tradition that welcomes incoming students, allowing them to connect with fellow Trojans and gain insight on how they can thrive here.
